Cannabis extracts could help fight coronavirus, bombshell study claims

Researchers at the University of Lethbridge in Calgary are studying hundreds of cannabis strains, and claim that at least a dozen could be used to potentially fight the coronavirus
Strains of cannabis could help fight coronavirus, researchers have claimed.

Scientists at the University of Lethbridge, Canada, are studying more than 400 strains of marijuana
They claim at least a dozen could have the potential to form a treatment against Covid-19.

And they also claim some strains have reduced virus receptors, reducing chances of being infected with the disease.

Dr Igor Kovalchuk told the Calgary Herald: "A number of them have reduced the number of these receptors by 73 per cent, the chance of it getting in is much lower.

"If they can reduce the number of receptors, there's much less chance of getting infected."
But he added there is still a long way to go yet in establishing if it can fight the bug.

He continued: "It will take a long time to find what the active ingredient is — there may be many.

“We focus more on the higher CBD because people can take higher doses and not be impaired."

The results came as part of a preliminary study.
He added: "The extracts of our most successful and novel high CBD C sativa lines, pending further investigation, may become a useful and safe addition to the treatment of Covid-19 as an adjunct therapy.
"Given the current dire and rapidly evolving epidemiological situation, every possible therapeutic opportunity and avenue must be considered."

"We have clinicians who are willing to work with us but for a lot of companies in the cannabis business, it's significant cash that they can't afford.

"Our work could have a huge influence - there aren't many drugs that have the potential of reducing infection by 70 to 80 per cent."